Tennis ball retrieval and storage assembly

ABSTRACT

A tennis ball retrieval and storage device comprised of a rigid tubular member having a first end and a second end, the first end having a flexibly resilient first cap member slidably removably positioned on the tubular member, the first cap member having a unitary inner segmented flexibly resilient flange defining an aperture slightly less than the diameter of a tennis ball, the tubular member having an inner diameter slightly greater than the diameter of a tennis ball, the second end of the tubular member having a second cap member secured thereto, the second cap member having a pivotal closure which is frictionally engageable in a closed secure position, there being positioned on the tubular member about its outer circumference at a predisposed point from the first end, a ring member having an integral hook member secured thereto for hanging the ball retrieval and storage device from a structure, the ring member being positioned at a distance from the first end so as to define the proper height of a tennis net when the first end of the tubular member is placed perpendicular to the ground adjacent the tennis net.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/500,327, filed Sep. 5, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a ball retrieval system, and in particular to a tennis ball retrieval and dispensing system in which the device is capable of retrieving tennis balls from the tennis court and storing the tennis balls, and subsequently disbursing the tennis balls for use. Additionally, the ball retrieval system incorporates a means for hanging the retrieval system upon a typical fence surrounding a tennis court and incorporates a measurement element for assuring and measuring net height.

2. Description of the Prior Art

During a typical tennis practice session it is not unusual to have a plurality of tennis balls positioned on locations about the tennis court as a result of the practice of serving of volleying or both. There is a need for a means for easily retrieving these tennis balls for reuse or for storage or for re-dispensing during the practice session or when the practice session is complete. There is a still further need for a means for retrieving and storing the tennis balls and dispensing the tennis balls when there use is again required. The simplest means of retrieval is for the player to merely squat or bend over and pick up the tennis balls one at a time. However, this puts undue stress on the limbs and back of the individual and is quite time consuming. Still further it requires the tennis player to carry some form of storage device.

Complicated retrieval systems have been devised, however, because of a large number of tennis courts both inside and outside, these complex mechanisms are not practical from an installation or cost analysis. Hand held retrieval systems are available in the forms of mesh baskets which contain a mesh bottom which slightly compress the tennis ball forcing it into the mesh basket. However, these mesh baskets are manufactured from steel or other suitable material and are often bulky and cumbersome, and take up significant storage space when not in use. U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,632 to Eddy discloses a ball retrieval storage and dispensing apparatus for tennis, however, the apparatus of Eddy is of unitary construction requiring replacement of the entire apparatus with wear over time, whereas Applicant's apparatus offers dissimilar features.

Applicant's retrieval system will hold a plurality of tennis balls sufficient for use at a practice session, allows for the individual to quickly and easily retrieve the tennis balls from the tennis court without any stooping or bending, and allows the storage of the tennis balls within the apparatus when the tennis balls are not required to be used. The apparatus permits the facile disbursing of tennis balls for use during the practice session and also includes an element which allows for the apparatus to be hung on the cyclone fence or other suitable surrounding structure normally associated with the perimeter of a tennis court when not in use. Applicant's apparatus also includes a measuring element which allows for the user to quickly and accurately determine the height of the tennis net and whether or not it is at the correct height for the practice session.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide for a novel ball retrieval and storage system which enables a player to pick up tennis balls without the necessity of squatting or bending down.

Another object of the present invention is to provide for a novel ball retrieval and storage system which can store a plurality of tennis balls.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide for a novel ball retrieval and storage system which allows for the player to dispense the desired number of balls during the practice or playing session.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a novel ball retrieval and storage system which allows for the storage of the tennis balls when not in use.

Still further Applicant's apparatus allows the user to replace selected elements thereof which may become worn through use without having to replace the entire apparatus

It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a novel ball retrieval and storage system which can be hung from a fence or other suitable structure so as to avoid tripping on the device during the practice session.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide for a novel ball retrieval system which also contains a measurement element for determining the correct height of the tennis net.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A tennis ball retrieval and storage device comprised of a rigid tubular member having a first end and a second end, the first end having a flexibly resilient first cap member slidably removably positioned on the tubular member, the first cap member having a unitary inner segmented flexibly resilient flange defining an aperture slightly less than the diameter of a tennis ball, the tubular member having an inner diameter slightly greater than the diameter of a tennis ball, the second end of the tubular member having a second cap member secured thereto, the second cap member having a pivotal closure which is frictionally engageable in a closed secure position, there being positioned on the tubular member about its outer circumference at a predisposed point from the first end, a ring member having an integral hook member secured thereto for hanging the ball retrieval and storage device from a structure, the ring member being positioned at a distance from the first end so as to define the proper height of a tennis net when the first end of the tubular member is placed perpendicular to the ground adjacent the tennis net.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent, particularly when taken in light of the following illustrations wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of the tennis ball retrieval and storage apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the tennis ball retrieval and storage apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view along plane 3-3 of FIG. 2 of the tennis ball retrieval and storage apparatus; and

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the lower end cap of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of the tennis ball retrieval and storage apparatus 10 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side assembled view. The retrieval and storage system 10 comprises a tubular member 12 having an inner diameter slightly greater than the diameter of a standard tennis ball. Tubular member 12 has a first end 14 defining the lower portion of tubular member 12 and a second end 16 defining the upper end of tubular member 12. There is removably secured to first end 14 a flexible resilient first cap member 18 which is slidably removable from the first end 14 of tubular member 12. Cap member 18 has a unitary inner segmented flexibly resilient flange 20 (See FIG. 4) integral with the cap member 18 which defines an aperture 22, the diameter of which is slightly less than the diameter of a standard tennis ball. Segmented flange 20 is deformable as illustrated in FIG. 3 when the first end 14 of tubular member 12 is positioned over a tennis ball 24 on the ground and pressed downwardly. The segmented flange 20 deforms to allow the tennis ball 24 to pass through the aperture 22 defined thereby and into the tennis ball retrieval and storage apparatus 10.

Second end 16 of tubular member 12 has secured thereto a second cap member. Second cap member 26 comprises a ring member 28 having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of tubular member 12 and it is secured about a second end 16 of tubular member 12. The ring member 28 is formed with a hinge means 30 which pivotally secures a rotatable closure member 32 for closure of second end 16 of tubular member 12. Second cap member 32 has depending therefrom, in 180 degree relationship from hinge means 30, a friction snap securing means 34 for engaging a raised tooth 36 formed on ring member 28 in 180 degree relationship with hinge means 30. In this embodiment, second cap member 32 can be rotated to an open position to allow for the dispensing of tennis balls 24 stored therein and can be frictionally engaged in a closed lock position to maintain and store tennis balls 24 enclosed therein. Second cap member 26 is of a rigid construction whereas first cap member 18 is flexibly resilient

Tubular member 12 is also fitted with a mid ring member 38 secured to tubular member 12 between first end 14 and second end 16. Mid ring member 38 has an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of tubular member 12 and is secured about tubular member 12 a distance of 36 inches from the lower most point of first end 14. The 36 inch length corresponds to the required height of a tennis net. The lower edge 40 of mid ring member 30 to the lowest point of first end 14 is measured at 36 inches. This allows the player to place the first end 14 of tubular member 12 on the ground adjacent the tennis net. In a perpendicular configuration with the ground, the lower edge 40 of mid ring member 38 on tubular member 12 should be at a height equal to the upper edge of the tennis net. If not, then the player can make appropriate adjustment to the tennis net by means of an adjustment means normally found on one of the tennis posts supporting the tennis net.

There is also formed on mid ring member 38 an integral hook means 42. Tennis is a game which requires expenditure of a great deal of energy, particularly in running forward and backwards between the base line and the net and laterally in order to position oneself in order to return an opponent's serve or volley. As such, it is desirous that the tennis court and the immediate adjacent area be free of obstacles which could cause a trip or twist of an ankle since oftentimes the player must run beyond the lateral dimensions of the tennis court. The hook means 42 on mid ring member 38 allows for the ball retrieval and storage assembly 10 to be hung from the structure which surrounds the tennis court. Typically on public courts out doors, a chain link type of fence is found about the circumference of a tennis court. On indoor courts typically some sort of flexible mesh netting is positioned to divide courts. Hook means 42 on mid ring member 38 allows for the ball retrieval and storage assembly 10 to be hung from such a structure when not in use or not required by the player.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view along plane 3-3 of FIG. 2 of the tennis ball retrieval and storage assembly 10 illustrating the manner in which the integral segmented flange member 20 on cap member 18 of first end 14 of tubular member 12 is slightly deformed when passing over a tennis ball 24 to allow the tennis ball to enter into tubular member 12, but to prevent any tennis ball 24 which has passed into tubular member 12 to exit tubular member 12 by means of first end 14.

The length of tubular member 12 is one of design, but typically would be of a length of about 48 inches in order to accommodate approximately 21 tennis balls. Flexibly resilient first cap member 18 and its unitary integral segmented flange 20 receive the most wear when the retrieval system is utilized in that segmented flexibly resilient flange 20 is in repeated friction contact with the tennis balls to be retrieved, and the bottom circumferential surface of first cap member 18 will often times contact the tennis court surface when retrieving tennis balls further contributing to wear. It is for that reason that the first cap member 18 is removably secured to tubular member 12 so that the user may replace the cap member when it becomes worn without having to replace the entire ball retrieval storage and dispensing apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, first cap member 18 would be slideably frictionally engaged over the lower end of tubular member 12, however, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that the cap member could be removably secured by other suitable means such as a bayonette mount or the like. Still further, while the present invention has been described with respect to its use in retrieving, storing and dispensing tennis balls, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that by changing the dimensions of the tubular member and cap members, the retrieval, storage and dispensing assembly of the present invention could be utilized to retrieve, store and dispense balls utilized in other sports.

While the present invention has been described with respect to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications or changes can be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore it is manifestly intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the claims and the equivalence thereof. 

1. A ball retrieval, storage and dispensing apparatus comprising: a hollow tubular member having a lower end and an upper end, said hollow tubular member having an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a ball; a first annular ring member, said first annular ring member being flexibly resilient and slidably removably received on said lower end of said hollow tube member, said first slidably removable annular ring member formed with an inner circumference and an outer circumference; a segmented flexible flange member integrally formed to the inner circumference of said slidably removable annular ring member, said segmented flexible flange member defining an aperture, said aperture having an inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the ball; a second annular ring member slidably received on said hollow tube member, said second annular ring member having a securing means for hanging said hollow tube member from a fence; and a third annular ring member fixedly secured to said upper end of said hollow tube member, said third annular ring member having hingeably secured thereto, a cap member, said cap member having a depending arm, said depending arm selectively engageable with a friction stop member formed on said third annular ring member, said third annular ring member and said cap member selectively securing said upper end of said hollow tube member in an open or closed orientation.
 2. The ball retrieval, storage and dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first annular ring member is slidably removable from said lower end of said hollow tube member and is engaged with said lower end of said hollow tube member by friction.
 3. The ball retrieval, storage and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first annular ring member is removably secured to said lower end of said hollow tube member by means of a bayonet mount.
 4. The ball retrieval, storage and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein tennis balls are removed from said hollow tube member by disengaging said cap member and turning said hollow tube member so that said upper end substantially faces the ground.
 5. The ball retrieval, storage and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said segmented flexible flange member is resiliently deformable when positioned over a ball on a surface, said segmented flexible flange member deforming upon compression on said ball to a point proximate an equator of said ball, said segmented flexible flange member then returning to its original orientation securing said ball within said hollow tube member.
 6. The ball retrieval, storage and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said hollow tube member is dimensioned to hold a plurality of balls.
 7. The ball retrieval, storage and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein said plurality of balls comprise tennis balls.
 8. The ball retrieval, storage and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said third annular ring member is fixedly positioned on said hollow tubular member at a height equal to the regulation height of a tennis net.
 9. A method of retrieving and dispensing balls from a ball retrieval storage and dispensing apparatus comprising the steps of: a) positioning a hollow tubular member having an upper end and a lower end and having a removable flexibly resilient annular ring member with integral segmented flexible flange member positioned at said lower end of said hollow tube member, said segmented flexible flange member defining an aperture slightly smaller than the diameter of a ball, directly over the ball to be picked up; b) forcing the hollow tube member downwardly so that the ball deforms the segmented flexible flange member, allowing the ball to enter the hollow tube member; and c) repeating steps a and b until all of the balls are picked up.
 10. The method of retrieving and dispensing balls from a ball retrieval, storage and dispensing apparatus of claim 9 wherein the steps of storing said balls further comprises fixedly positioning an annular ring member with hingeable cap closure member on said upper end of said hollow tube member retaining said balls within said hollow tubular member.
 11. The method of retrieving and dispensing balls from a ball retrieval, storage and dispensing apparatus of claim 9 wherein the steps of dispensing said balls further comprises: a) unhinging said cap closure member; b) rotating said upper end of said tubular member downwardly; c) dispensing said ball selectively under the influence of gravity. 